Speeches

Madam President, the question of whether we should adopt the parenthood regulation to ensure the families can stay together, no matter where they choose to live in our Union, shouldn't even be up for debate. This should have been approved a long time ago – yesterday, a week ago, a month ago, a year ago, two years ago. Let's clarify this: we have the freedom of movement for goods, services, capital and people in the EU. Article 21 of the EU Treaty states, 'Every citizen of the Union shall have the right to move and reside freely within the territory of all the Member States'. Similarly, Article 45 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights affirms, 'Every citizen of the Union has the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States'. So what is the far right doing here today? The only correct answer is that you are doing an exercise in homophobia and an attempt to deprive children of their parents. Commissioner, the worst part, I must say, is that, at a time when we need to strengthen protection against far-right hate, the Commission has chosen to withdraw the proposal for the EU anti-discrimination directive – I must say that that is very disappointing. But now let us ensure we can adopt a piece of legislation that would let families be families, regardless of where they move in our Union.

Madam President, colleagues, I am T-I-R-E-D, tired! Session after session, we are taking note of the horrific situation in Gaza. But my question is when are we going to do something about it? If I feel this tired about words remaining words, imagine how the people of Gaza are feeling right now. Family members murdered, mutilated, traumatised, electricity cut and threats to halt all humanitarian aid entering Gaza and using starvation as a weapon against innocent Palestinians. I have seen it with my own eyes when I visited Rafah in Egypt three weeks ago, how children being mutilated and how the Israeli right-wing government refused to let basic humanitarian aid enter. And don't forget the Israeli annexation of the West Bank that is taking place right now. Colleagues, Netanyahu is prolonging the conflict, refusing to move to the next phase of the ceasefire. To all colleagues still defending the Israeli far-right government, what more do you want Netanyahu to do before enough is enough? Take off your political blinders. Wasn't it some of you who said all lives matters when we were discussing racism in EU? So what about the Palestinians' lives? Aren't they a part of all of us? International law is not cherry picking.

Mr President, Commissioner, it is crucial that we cultivate strength. Recent global events, from the aggression of the dictator Putin to Trump's approach in the US, remind us of the urgent need for unity within the EU. It is astonishing to find ourselves discussing the impact of both Putin and a US President in the same breath, but a fact is a fact. For the sake of future generations, we must invest in our industries, in our defence, in infrastructure and cybersecurity capacity, ensuring our societies are robust and resilient. Moreover, we must broaden our alliance beyond the traditional transatlantic relations. While the partnership with the US is still important, Europe should also strengthen ties with states like the UK, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, India, Japan and countries across Africa. The future of global security, of course, depends on our strength, but it also depends on our cooperation with states with shared values and interests.

Madam President, it is absurd that a person or a state can even think the thought that it should deprive children of their fundamental right to their parent. The refusal to fully recognise parenthood across Member States is rooted in homophobia. It is not protecting children; it is actually harming children. The hatred against the LGBTI community doesn't belong in a modern society. Conservatives and the far right here in the EU: your echo that children should be deprived their fundamental right to their parents are the same words that are being said by the mullahs in Iran and by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Children have the right to be protected from the far-right hatred, not from their parents!

Mr President, democracy is not Erdoğan's strongest suit. When he came to power in 2002, many hoped for positive change in a country that had long struggled with issues of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and equality for all its citizens. Unfortunately, the opposite has occurred. One glaring example is the government's practice of replacing democratically elected mayors with appointed trustees. A direct assault on the core principles of local democracy, particularly targeting the Kurdistan region. Since the 2024 local elections, eight mayors from the pro-Kurdish party and two from CHP have been dismissed, replacing with Erdoğan's puppets. To address this, judicial reforms are urgently needed to abolish the trustee system. The stalling of peace dialogue between Erdoğan and PKK leader Öcalan further underscores the government's unwillingness to solve this long standing conflict peacefully. To move forward, it is essential to release all political prisoners, including reinstalling all dismissed mayors, and to urgently resume the Kurdish peace process. We urge the EU High Representative to impose sanctions against Turkish officials who accept the role of government trustees and those who nominate them.

Mr President, Commissioner, Minister, what I should have brought with me is a sign that reads 'Missing Person: High Representative Kaja Kallas', as this is the second session we are discussing the Middle East and she has not been a part of the discussions. The Middle East is at a crossroads in many ways: Gaza is at risk of being occupied by a new force, the US under Trump. Yes, you heard me correctly: Trump's attempt to expel Palestinians from Gaza and take control is effectively replacing one occupying power, Israel, with another occupying power, the US, all while the Palestinian people are suffering, and this is a violation of international law. Meanwhile, Syria has rid itself of its brutal dictator and has a new power in place. However, the future remains uncertain as we cannot realistically consider HTS a democratic force, given their history. Turkey is attacking the Kurds in the Rojava region, it is risking to put ISIS on our streets. At the same time, in Turkey, the negotiations are taking place between the Turkish Government and the PKK leader, Öcalan. For the first time in a long time, the prospects seem positive for a resolution on the Kurdish issue and for a democratic Turkey. Development in Turkey will undoubtedly impact also Syria. Where is the HR/VP? A silent voice is not a voice at all.

Mr President, 'Nunca más', 'never again', became the rallying slogan for justice, truth and accountability in Argentina and across Latin America in the 1980s. The transitional justice movements that followed across the world have proven a fundamental truth: no society can achieve peace without confronting the legacies of political violence and human rights violations. After 54 years of authoritarian rule and 14 years of brutal conflict, Syria remains scarred by enforced disappearance, torture and mass graves. Tens of thousands are still missing, families are left without answers, and communities are searching for closure. The European Union must remain at the forefront of transitional justice efforts in Syria. The work of the UN accountability mechanism and the UN's missing persons institution will be essential in this process and deserves all our full support. Truth and accountability are the strongest defence against renewed authoritarianism and impunity.

Colleagues, let's see if you could do this brain exercise: put migration and migrants aside instead of constantly blaming everything on migration and migrants. Do you think that it is correct that your friends in the Sweden Democrats, for example, do nothing in order to put the money where it should be: in the schools and the preventive works? Do you think that it is OK that your colleagues in the Sweden Democrats, for example, do nothing to ensure that the criminal gangs cannot take our taxpayers' money through running welfare businesses? The privatisation business has gone too far in Sweden without them doing anything.

Madam President, politics must join forces across party lines to break the cycle of violence. This painful reality is the reason why I decided to engage in politics 25 years ago. Since then, the situation has unfortunately only worsened. More children have become both victims and perpetrators to violence. Last year alone, 44 people lost their lives to shootings, and, alarmingly, the number of children under 15 suspected of involvement in murder cases surged by 200 % in comparison to the year before in Sweden. Just in the first month of this year, we witnessed 33 bombings. The perpetrators are nowadays so young that the term 'child soldiers' has become a buzzword. Gang violence is creeping down in age, instilling fear in our neighbourhoods and robbing children of their childhood. No one should wake up to a sound of a bomb, instead of a gentle ring of a clock. And let's be clear – no one is born a child soldier. Our actions as lawmakers matter. The current Swedish right‑wing and far‑right Government looks to Denmark's hard gang laws – like visitation zones and harsh penalties – but neglects the essential ingredient of Denmark's success: social investments in schools and communities. A school that provides every child with the opportunity to succeed is our most powerful weapon against gang recruitment. It is also absurd that criminals in 2025 can start businesses and exploit the Swedish welfare system, while the parties in government and their supporters in Sweden Democrats are watching. Where is the crisis commission that we have asked for? Also, the EU has an important role in putting an end to the cross‑border gang crime, which poses a serious threat to all our Member States. According to Europol, 70 % of gangs in the EU operate in at least three countries simultaneously. I'm glad that the conservative EPP Group has woken up and realised the importance of acting, but yet they have only presented what they call 'European security pact against organised crime', which is more or less a copy paste of former Commissioner Ylva Johansson's 'EU roadmap to fight organised crime and drug trafficking'. Instead of creating new titles on existing measures, we social democrats demand a specific strategy against recruitment, with a coordinator working alongside European authorities such as Europol and Eurojust to prevent children and young people from falling into the claws of the gangs. Politics must unite across party lines, and so must other parts of the society, such as the social media platforms. We therefore need an EU anti‑organised crime law, including addressing the social media platforms responsibilities. It is unacceptable that these platforms are exploited for recruiting child soldiers. Tech giants must be held accountable. Their platforms are today's modern streets and squares. It is about time for the society to get as organised as organised crime. The society must always be stronger than organised crime.

Madam President, the heinous murder of Jina Amini in 2022 sparked a powerful movement that resonated throughout Iran, throughout Kurdistan, the Middle East and beyond. Since then, courageous voices are chanting: 'Woman, life, freedom!' However, the human rights situation in Iran has worsened dramatically, with over 900 executions in 2024 alone, targeting women, minorities, political dissidents and those involved in this feminist revolution. Repression persists, highlighted by the recent death sentences for two brave Kurdish women – Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi – and over 50 other political prisoners. The regime employs brutal tactics, including tortures and arbitrary arrests of EU citizens, like Dr Ahmad Reza Jalali, to pressure the EU to release the regime's criminals. The EU must unite to secure the release of all political prisoners. Our citizens deserve to return home, and every and each Iranian deserve the right to live in freedom and equality. The oppressive mullah regime will ultimately be consigned to the dustbin of history, but that requires our unwavering support for the brave people who risk their lives every day.

Mr President, colleagues, the revelation of Hungary's intelligence services spying on EU officials undermines what little trust there is left between the collective EU Member States and the Hungarian regime nowadays. It constitutes yet another direct assault on our common values. This spying, including on OLAF investigators that were probing the misuse of EU funds, reflects a broader pattern in Hungary, where the erosion of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights has become systematic. From the misuse of spyware like Pegasus to laws targeting LGBTQI rights, the curbing of press freedom, the oppression of minorities, these acts of espionage on EU officials are a continuation of Hungary's transition into authoritarianism and Orbán's transition into a fully-fledged dictator. These acts reaffirm the necessity to strengthen the EU rule of law mechanism and the rule of law report. Enough is enough!

Mr President, a group of powerful men, tech billionaires gathering in the Capitol, taking prime seats behind the President and his family during the inauguration of the 47th president of the USA – no, it's not a scene taken off House of Cards. This is America 2025. Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, implementation of protectionist policies that restricts international trade, disengagement from international organisations – we have also since long been aware of that. Women's rights, LGBTQ rights, workers rights will be jeopardised, and ordinary working people will suffer, while tech billionaires like Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos and Pichai will face lower, if not zero, taxes. With Trump now sworn in as president, it is evident that this administration adopts a vastly different stance on international cooperation than its predecessor. Our most pressing task is to unite and strengthen the European Union, while maintaining strong partnership with like-minded globally, and of course, it also includes the US, as, for example, the Democrats. Trump was indeed democratically elected, but acts like an autocrat.

Mr President, for 471 days, we have witnessed the aftermath of Hamas's brutal attack on innocent Israelis. And for over 50 years, we have seen the impact of an unlawful Israeli occupation that has taken countless innocent Palestinian lives and erased entire families from existence. The numbers are staggering. Over 46 000 Palestinians and 1 200 Israelis have been murdered since 7 October 2023. Each statistic represents a life, a story, a future stolen. Those standing idly by are complicit in this suffering. While we cannot undo the vast suffering endured by the victims over the past years, we have the power today to shape a better future. Let's be clear – a ceasefire is vital and must be respected by all parties. That includes Netanyahu, who continued bombing Gaza yesterday. EU countries must implement a weapon embargo against Israel. This is a demand echoed by Palestinian but also Israeli families with loved ones, those kept hostage by Hamas. They are all desperate for an end to this horror. They want their family members alive and home. Furthermore, the EU must also rally behind a two‑state solution through actively engaging in the international coalition for a two‑state solution and halting the expansion of violent settlements. Recent statements from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are therefore alarming, suggesting a possible resumption of military operations. War criminals must face justice. The International Criminal Court must be allowed to operate freely and impartially. Today, 2 million Palestinians are returning to bombed areas and must urgently receive our support and not to be sent to Indonesia, as the Trump administration seems to want. How many times must Palestinians be forcibly displaced from their homes before the world says enough is enough? The EU must support humanitarian organisations like UNWRA and act for the lifting of the Israeli ban of the organisation. It is a shame that countries as my own, Sweden, let the Israeli far‑right government dictate our actions. And finally, colleagues, the Palestinian Authority must receive the support to be able to…

Mr President, colleagues, Commissioner, every corruption scandal, every stolen euro, every bribery and abuse of power is an insult to our citizens. It betrays their trust and chips away at democracy. Corruption can also, in its worst form, kill. While the EU is making progress at large, we must accelerate the fight against corruption as we, unfortunately, see new scandals in our institutions, and even Member States that are moving in the wrong direction. In the 2023 Corruption Perception Index, Hungary is ranked number 76 when it comes to corruption in the public sector. Hungary shares this spot with China and Cuba. Several other Member States take a slightly better – but similarly unflattering – spot in this list. To combat corruption, we must increase transparency and protect those who uncover it. Access to documents in our public institutions is essential for accountability, and it is an integral part of democracy. It is therefore unacceptable that the Commission President continues to oppose transparency when it comes to her own communication with a pharmaceutical company – and we all know who it is. In her capacity as a public official, especially. Meanwhile, the EU Ombudsman has found significant maladministration in the Commission when it comes to access to documents. It is therefore high time that Member States resume negotiations on the Regulation on access to documents, as well as increased transparency in our Member States. Equally, the European Media Freedom Act is crucial for empowering journalists to investigate and expose corruption without fear of retaliation. We must also strengthen the rule of law mechanism and the rule of law report. The rule of law report cannot be for the Commission to approve; it must be fully independent. Our democracies can only function if there is transparency, protection for journalism, and accountability for those who abuse their positions of power. Impunity must end!

Mr President, dear colleagues, dear Commissioner, acts of gender‑based violence, hate speech and disinformation are not only attacks on women; they are also a direct assault on democracy. The far right and their cronies stand as central culprits in this cynical trend, and pro-Kremlin groups attack women, journalists, politicians and anyone who supports women's rights. These acts of violence and disinformation frame feminism as a conspiracy meant to destroy traditional values. But let us say it like it is: these heinous attacks are committed by men that fear progress, gender equality and the fall of the patriarchy that has kept them all too comfortable. And obviously also women who hate women on the far‑right side. I had the honour of being a rapporteur for the directive on gender‑based violence, which addresses this issue. We must call out the actors responsible and ensure the swift and strict implementation of this directive, and intensify the work in candidate countries to align their legislations with ours. Attacks on women in politics must be seen as gender‑based violence, and must be seen as an aggravated circumstance.

Mr President, Commissioner McGrath, colleagues, disinformation is a real threat to our Union, to all of our democracies, and to our peace and security. It is a cynical, but effective, tool used by hostile foreign powers as well as right-wing political parties, unfortunately. The troll farm in Sweden, for example, belongs to the Sweden Democrats – a part of the ECR Group. It was exposed earlier this year and is a troubling example. Such activities, echoed by far-right movements across Europe, use disinformation and misinformation to spread lies and manipulate to try to influence our citizens during, for example, election times. Yet social media platforms also bear significant responsibility for this use and for this issue. Their algorithms prioritise engagement over truth and often allow disinformation campaigns to thrive unchecked. So not only do we need to ensure the Digital Service Act is quickly and ambitiously enforced, but we also need to ensure that social media platforms take their responsibility. The year is 2024, and even criminal gangs can recruit young people into organised crime. This is unacceptable.

Mr President, Madam High Representative, colleagues, at last, the brutal regime of Assad has been consigned to the dustbin of history, and the dream of democracy that sparked the 2011 revolution is emerging. For a democratic Syria to thrive, it must embrace diversity and equality, accommodating the hope of all its people – whether it is Arabs, Kurds, Christians, Sunni, Shia, women or men. And foreign powers like Turkey and Israel must cease their unlawful actions that violate Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. International law must apply equally to all. I urge the EU to raise its voice against this violation, particularly as the upcoming US under Trump may disregard established global rules in this process. As we speak right now, Turkey, alongside its SNA terrorist allies, is attempting to invade the Kurdish city of Kobane – a site pivotal in defeating ISIS. The international community's understanding of the situation in Syria is being tested right now. It is unacceptable for a NATO member and an EU candidate to engage in such behaviour. A united front from the EU and NATO can send a clear message to Turkey about the limits of tolerance. To avoid missteps, the EU must support democratic allies, particularly the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, which has fought for freedom and played a crucial role in combating ISIS. High Representative Kallas, Syria stands at a crossroads. Dialogue among all factions – especially democratic ones – is essential, and Turkey and Israel must halt any violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Madam President, first and foremost, I want to start by thanking you for your vital work, EU Ombudsman O'Reilly. In these challenging times of backlash against fundamental rights and democratic erosion your role as a strong EU Ombudsman with integrity has been crucial. Transparency and access to documents are essential for democracy, protecting against corruption and authoritarianism. Unfortunately, the Commission and many Member States have consistently failed to meet these expectations. The Commission has excessively restricted access to documents and missed legal review deadlines in 85 % of cases. Even President von der Leyen has denied public access to SMS communication with a pharmaceutical CEO, overlooking that content defines a public document, not the medium. Even a pigeon – a message sent by pigeon – would and should have been seen as a public document. It's disheartening that Member States refuse to resume negotiations on the regulation of access to documents. The situation undermines the trust in the public institutions. It undermines the trust in democracy. Once again, I want to say thank you for...

Madam President, 'in all actions involving children [...] the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration' is stated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Despite this, children continue to face significant challenges, and government responses are lacking. Eurostat reported that in 2023, 24.8 % of the children in EU were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Additionally, there was 1.3 million reports of child sexual abuse in the EU that year and many children are being recruited into organised crime. How a society treats its most vulnerable is a measure of its humanity. While all Member States have ratified the convention, we must move from words to actions. We need to implement an EU-wide strategy to prevent child recruitment into organised crime; hold social media platforms accountable to ensure we protect children from online sexual abuse and recruitment, and ensure that all Member States provide provides housing, education, healthcare and basic needs for all children so that achieving one's dreams is not dependent on parental welfare. And finally, I want to say to the far right here, there is one sick ideology in here, and that is your ideology that is depriving so many children their right to be themselves, that even leads to...

Mr President, 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadî', 'Women. Life. Freedom': these three Kurdish words resonate deeply, instilling fear in the Iranian regime. The words embody the strength, the wrath and defiance of women across the whole of Iran. That is why the regime is so afraid. Women, girls and other groups in Iran need our support. We must strive to be at least a bit as brave as they are. In September 2024, the Iranian regime approved the oppressive protection of the family through promoting the culture of hijab and chastity law. These disgraceful measures must not go unchallenged. We must impose sanctions on those responsible. Colleagues, the Iranian regime is on edge and so is also the Turkish – recently, the slogan 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadî' was banned in Diyarbakır, my birthplace. This is unacceptable, especially as the EU Member States remain silent. Let us be clear: our priority should be democracy, peace and adherence to international law. If we fail to defend these principles, we will face grave consequences. You cannot pet a snake and expect not to be bitten.

Madam President, the latest developments in the Baltic Sea have highlighted the growing threat from Russian hybrid attacks, particularly targeting critical infrastructure such as undersea cables. Attacks from Russia and other anti-democratic countries against our societies are increasing, and their dreadful actions constitute a form of covert warfare. Hybrid threats know no borders, which means that Sweden and our neighbouring countries need the strong support of the EU to handle the situation. A threat to one of our countries is a threat to all, unless you are Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Hungary. It is shameful that we have a government in one of our Member States that acts as Putin's lapdog. It is a shame he can continue holding the EU presidency. At the same time, criminal gangs are being recruited by third countries to carry out terrorist attacks as part of hybrid warfare. We must take strong actions and utilise all of the EU's resources to protect our collective security.

Mr President, gangs across the European Union are recruiting children and young people. Society has failed our children. Growing up in the district of Bergsjön in Gothenburg in Sweden, I loved my community, but we faced challenges I wouldn't wish on anyone. Already in the 1990s, we witnessed schoolmates being recruited. Today, in 2024, the situation has worsened, with even younger children being targeted and involved in violence. Children are killing grown‑ups. Children are killing children. New technology has made also homes unsafe and a place for the gangs to recruit. Gangs, exploit digital platforms to recruit children using influencer tactics and emotional manipulation. They frame illegal activities as challenges or missions, giving kids a false sense of purpose. We must act now to ensure that every child belongs in school, not on the streets with weapons. I urge, therefore, to the Commission to create a strategy to prevent the recruitment of youth into organised crime. Additionally, we need to hold the digital platforms accountable for protecting our children's welfare and to ensure the security of the whole European Union.

Mr President, let's be clear about the actions of some individuals and political groups in here. It is hypocrisy to question the ICC arrest warrant. It is shameful that the far-right groups and the conservative EPP attempted to block this issue from today's agenda. I expected such behaviour from anti-democrats, but what justification does the EPP Group have? The ICC arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Gallant and Hamas commander-in-chief Deif should not be questioned by anyone. It is an obligation of all our Member States to implement it. It is their obligation – not question it, by anyone. Respect for international law must be maintained consistently, regardless of who is the aggressor and who is the victim. And as far as I know, there is not an international law for Israel and another international law for the rest of the world. There is no difference between perpetrators and those silently and actively watching people being killed. Don't forget that silence is to be complicit. Stop defending war crimes, for God's sake!

Mr President, colleagues, I could shout at the top of my lungs, but it wouldn't compare to the cries of women and girls suffering right now. Women and girls face various forms of violence throughout their lives, including physical violence, threats, psychological violence, sexual violence, socio-economic violence. The reason for this? We are women and girls. We are female. Each year, over 2 300 women in Europe are killed by their partner or ex-partner. In our European Union, 31 % of women are survivors of physical or sexual violence. In the EU in 2015, more than 90 % of rape victims and 80 % of sexual assault victims were women and girls, while nearly all perpetrators – 99 % – were male. Behind each statistic is a person whose life, freedom and dreams have been shattered. Colleagues, it has been an honour to lead the fight for the EU's first and historic directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence along with so many strong feminists, but this is just the beginning. However, it is shameful that some Member States rejected the inclusion of consent-based rape legislation. While I expected misogynistic policies from the far right and national conservatives, it is particularly disgraceful that those who claim to be feminists have acted against the inclusion. One major obstacle was President Emmanuel Macron in France. Only 'yes' means 'yes'. This must be stated clearly and enshrined in law. The horrific experiences of Gisèle Pelicot must mark the turning point in recognising the necessity of consent-based rape legislation in France and across the EU. Colleagues, we need a Gisèle Pelicot law: legislation that ensures that only 'yes' means 'yes'.

First and foremost, I think Charlie Weimers knows himself that what he just said were lies. But I'm happy that he's condemning his own party colleagues, because it's actually the first time I've ever heard a Sweden Democrat take responsibility and condemn the antisemitic words that have come out of many of the leading figures in the Sweden Democrats. So thank you for daring to do that, Charlie Weimers.